Committee calls for new sea services framework by end of 2025

Panel also wants Tynwald to consider whether operator should be a statutory board instead of arm's length

Whether the Steam Packet should be run as a government statutory board instead of an arm's length company and the need for a new sea services agreement are among the findings of a committee looking at how the ferry operator is run.

The report from the Regulation of the Steam Packet Company committee makes a number of conclusions and recommendations.

The committee says the current sea services agreement - the contract between the Steam Packet and government which sets out what services the company has to provide - was a missed opportunity to reset the relationship between the two parties.

It also highlights a potential conflict of interest for the Department of Infrastructure as the body responsible for regulating the agreement, as it also has responsibility for harbours.

The panel is calling for the Department for Enterprise to lead a review and develop a new framework for sea services by the end of next year, which it says should hold the Steam Packet to the same standards of all other public services.

It says the new framework should be in clear, unambiguous language, and suggests the document could be called the 'Island Lifeline Plan'.

The committee found there should be limited political and government interference in the firm's operations, but that an arm's length arrangement is in conflict with Treasury's role as shareholder.

As a result, it's asking Tynwald to consider the practicalities of transitioning the Steam Packet to a statutory board, or for Treasury to consider how to enhance its oversight of the company, reporting back by the end of 2025.

The committee, made up of MHKs Jason Moorhouse, Ann Corlett and Michelle Haywood, will lay its report before Tynwald in January, with the recommendations to be considered at a later date.

Dr Haywood's appointment to the committee was made prior to her taking up the role of infrastructure minister, with the report completed the week she joined the Council of Ministers.

In response, an Isle of Man Government spokesperson told Manx Radio: "Officers will examine the contents of the report and its recommendations in due course. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."

The Steam Packet Company said: "The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company acknowledges the publication of the Select Committee’s report and its findings.

"While we cannot provide further comment until we have fully reviewed the findings and their potential impact on our operations, we remain committed to our role as the Island’s Lifeline.

"We take this responsibility seriously and continue to work diligently to support the Isle of Man’s economy, our freight customers, Isle of Man residents and visitors to our Island."